Military service and the greater good…a look back and forward.

I am overcome with the impression that I am wasting my life. Retirement doesn’t suit me it seems. Of course, 2020 makes my eighth year retired. At times I miss getting up and going to work. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a day or week of hard labor. I have held a number of jobs throughout the years, to name a few: Construction, milk man, bag boy, lawn care, retail and my favorite, soldier.

To be honest, I miss being a solider. The other jobs weren’t as fulfilling as being part of the 3% who defend America.

As I look back over the time since I retired, I can’t find a time when I have ever felt like I served a purpose greater than myself. Serving in the military opened my eyes to the fact that some things are worth protecting, even if it cost me my life to do so. Freedom to live my life as I see fit, for example, is one of those things which are worthy of such defense.

In my opinion, there is no greater feeling than knowing you’re making a difference in the world. Because of the unselfish service of military members, Americans get to exercise their religious freedom as they wish, they can protest their government without fear of repercussion, and they can speak their minds without fear of censorship. What other job allows you to impact the lives of so many people?

I suppose I am feeling nostalgic this morning. It may have been brought up by my soldiers success this past week. One of my soldiers re-enlisted, another got promoted. It makes me wonder where my career would have ended up if I had not fallen ill. Or it could have been brought on by a friend’s son graduating from boot camp this week.

Congratulations are in order for these young men. They made a choice to stand watch on the wall and defend the principles which make America great. Without men and women who understand the cost of freedom, America would fall into chaos. I am grateful for their service.